Stay Like This A Little Longer
670 Words
CHAPTER 10
The Moonlight Festival was finally ending.
Most students had already gone back to their dorms while academy staff cleaned the remaining decorations around campus.
But near the quiet fountain garden—
Leanne and Chris still sat together peacefully.
Chris lazily spun his empty ice cream spoon between his fingers.
“I think I’m evolving into strawberry ice cream at this point.”
“You practically already are.”
“That’s offensive.”
“You literally smell like vanilla and sugar.”
Chris blinked.
“…You noticed?”
The moment the words left his mouth—
Leanne realized what she accidentally admitted.
“…Forget I said that.”
Chris slowly grinned.
“Oh my gosh.”
“Stop.”
“You noticed how I smell.”
“I hate you.”
“You’re blushing.”
“You’re annoying.”
Chris laughed brightly while leaning back against the bench comfortably.
And honestly?
Hearing him laugh in the quiet night air felt… nice.
Too nice.
The festival lights reflected softly across the fountain water while cool wind drifted through the gardens peacefully.
Everything felt calm now.
Like the world had finally slowed down.
Leanne quietly rested her head against the bench behind her.
“…I’m tired.”
Chris nodded sympathetically.
“You’ve survived me for an entire week. That sounds exhausting.”
“That’s true.”
“You’re so rude.”
Leanne smiled sleepily.
For a while, they just sat there quietly.
Chris occasionally hummed random songs under his breath.
Leanne listened absentmindedly while fighting sleep.
Why does this feel so comfortable?
Usually silence around other people felt awkward.
But not with him.
Never with him.
Then slowly—
Without even realizing it—
Leanne’s head tilted sideways.
And landed softly against Chris’s shoulder.
Silence.
Chris froze instantly.
Leanne had fallen asleep.
Completely asleep.
Chris stared down at her quietly.
“…Lea?”
No response.
Her breathing was soft and even against his shoulder.
Chris blinked several times.
Then very carefully—
Very gently—
He relaxed slightly so she could lean against him more comfortably.
A small smile appeared on his face.
Warm.
Soft.
Different from his usual teasing grin.
“She actually fell asleep…” he whispered quietly.
For once—
Chris wasn’t loud.
Wasn’t dramatic.
Wasn’t trying to make anyone laugh.
He simply sat there quietly while Leanne slept against him peacefully.
And honestly?
He looked comfortable too.
Like this moment meant more to him than he expected.
Chris carefully adjusted his jacket around her shoulders again so she wouldn’t get cold.
Then he looked up at the lanterns still glowing faintly around campus.
His expression softened.
“…You trust me that much, huh?”
The words came out almost surprised.
Almost vulnerable.
Then quietly—
Chris leaned his head slightly against hers.
Comfortable.
Natural.
Like he wanted to stay there longer.
And maybe—
He did.
The distant sound of footsteps suddenly approached nearby.
Chris looked up immediately.
Carl, Ren, and Kai stopped several feet away after spotting them on the bench.
Silence.
Kai blinked.
Ren slowly lowered his book.
Carl stared quietly at Leanne sleeping against Chris’s shoulder.
Then Chris immediately placed a finger over his lips dramatically.
“Shhh.”
Kai narrowed his eyes slightly.
“…She fell asleep?”
Chris nodded proudly like he personally achieved something.
Ren sighed softly.
“She trusted the wrong person.”
“That’s hurtful.”
Carl’s expression softened slightly while looking at the sleeping Leanne.
Then his eyes shifted toward Chris.
And paused.
Because Chris looked…
Comfortable.
Too comfortable.
Relaxed in a way they rarely saw.
Chris noticed Carl staring and blinked innocently.
“…What?”
Carl smiled slightly.
“Nothing.”
But somehow—
The atmosphere felt strangely quiet afterward.
Because maybe all three of them noticed the same thing.
Christopher Reyes—
Who constantly joked around, moved everywhere, and never stayed still—
Was sitting completely peacefully for once.
Just because Leanne was beside him.
And none of them knew what to do with that realization.
- Writer
